How to Reduce Your Saab Key Replacement Cost
Copying your spare key before you lose the last one can save you significant cost. If you have only one key, it's generally 2X-10X more expensive to create an entirely new one.
Changing the battery in your SAAB 9-3 key fob is simple and inexpensive to do by yourself. Here's how.
Cost of a Key Replacement
The SAAB 9-3 03-11 is a great car but the ignition key can be prone to wear out. The case could become slick and the buttons could be pushed out. This can cause inconvenience while driving. It's important to replace your key fob as soon as possible when you notice any issues. This will save you money in the long run, and is better than waiting.
Replacing a SAAB key fob isn't too difficult, and you can make it yourself for about $100. You will need to purchase an additional shell for your key fob that is compatible with your car and a new battery. It is necessary to open the case of your old SAAB 9-3 key fob and carefully remove the electronics to give you the opportunity to replace the battery. Once you've completed this you can easily put the new battery into place and then restart the key fob's synchronization to your car.
SAAB keys with remote start systems require particular care, since they have a transponder that must be programmed specifically for your vehicle. To accomplish this, you'll need a dealer-grade tool known as the Tech 2 or the equivalent for the model you have of Saab. The tool can detect the code on your keys that are already in use and then use that information to program the replacement key. If you don't have a spare key available, this procedure is more complicated and could cost you up to $500 from the dealer.
An excellent tip is to find a locksmith who is proficient in Saabs. They will be able to make you a new key at lower cost than the dealer. They also offer other services such as key duplication and replacement so you'll keep a backup car key in the event that it gets lost or damaged.
Most European cars manufactured after 2000 have immobilizers that rely on a chip built into the key to recognize and start your vehicle. This is why these kinds of keys tend to be more expensive to duplicate than those that do not have a chip. There are exceptions. VATS keys, for example (which are mechanical and have an internal resistor) don't require programming and can be duplicated relatively inexpensively. Most BMWs, Mercedes and Porsches produced after 2000 will require a dealer for key duplicates. This is because the manufacturers do not permit their dealers to join NASTF, which is the organization which makes the tools other locksmiths in the automotive industry use to make keys that can be used to replace their customers' keys.
Cost of Replacement Remote
If you own a Saab car that features keys-less entry systems, it is important to have a spare remote or key. This way, you will have one in the event that your original key is lost or broken. The cost of a replacement remote could be quite costly, and if you have an insurance policy that offers key add-on coverage then this will help reduce the cost.
The majority of car keys manufactured after 2000 can be programmed by a dealer or locksmith. These keys are usually locked in a tiny EEPROM which can only be read by a computer specifically designed for this purpose. If you require an alternative key for your vehicle, you'll need to visit the dealer. The good news is that the dealer will charge less than locksmiths.
The Saab 9-3s are beautiful vehicles and many of are still in use in the present. However, there is a major issue with these cars and that is their ignition key. saab 9 3 key replacement is small and doesn't have a very appealing design and can fall out or get stuck easily. In fact, many people have a non-functioning key after just a few years of owning the car.
It's easy to obtain a spare key to use with your SAAB. First, remove the emergency key. It's a simple process that you can complete yourself and you don't require any tools. You should be cautious when you force it too hard, you could damage its electronics.
You'll need to find a shop where you can purchase an OEM replacement key case for your SAAB. These are not always easy to find, but once you know where to look, you should be able to find one quite easily. When you locate a replacement case you'll have to get it programmed and cut to fit your car.
It can be expensive to get a new SAAB key, but the cost is worth it. It's cheaper than replacing your entire vehicle and it could save you lots of time. If you only have one key working you should replace it as quickly as you can. You never know when you're likely to lose it and this can lead to a lot of frustration and cost.